Crystal Palace midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek refusing to give up

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Crystal Palace midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek insists he is refusing to give up on the World Cup this summer after a few tough months on the sidelines.

The 22-year-old missed three months of action due to injury but returned in the 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town on March 17.

Loftus-Cheek, who is on loan at Selhurst Park from Chelsea, had made 16 appearances and scored one goal before his injury.

He was not part of England’s squad for the friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy but the youngster is still hopeful.

“The ankle is feeling much better and I feel fitter than I thought I would feel,” Loftus-Cheek told The Evening Standard.

“I feel sharp in training so I am not too worried about my fitness. If I do get all seven games it is enough for me.

“I have spoken to Gareth. He did not say much, he just asked how my injury was. He wished me all the best for the games to come.

“It would be massive for me to go to a World Cup. That is what I am aspiring to but that will come from my performances with Palace at the end of the season.”

Loftus-Cheek has just seven games left this season, beginning with the visit of Liverpool to Selhurst Park on Saturday, to prove he can play in Russia.

Palace are 16th in the Premier League table at present and they are priced at 6.50 to beat Liverpool, with the draw 4.75, while the Reds are 1.40 favourites.

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